Dear Dyslexic Podcast

In Part 3, Dr Shae and Associate Professor Carolyn Gerwitz bring together hormones, dyslexia and ADHD, while exploring practical wellbeing, connection and the need for better research. 

For organisations and leaders, this conversation is a reminder that neurodivergent experiences can shift across life stages. Awareness helps create workplaces where people feel able to ask for support without judgement. 

What would change if more workplaces understood the combined impact of neurodivergence and hormonal change? 

At re:think dyslexia, we amplify lived experience to build understanding, inclusion and momentum for research.About Dea...

In Part 2 of this conversation, Dr Shae Wissell and Associate Professor Caroline Gurvich explore one of the most common questions women ask during perimenopause: Is this ADHD, perimenopause, or both?

Together, they discuss the impact of hormonal changes on the brain, including brain fog, memory, attention, and executive functioning. The episode examines why many neurodivergent women report increased challenges during perimenopause and highlights the complexities of diagnosis and support during this life stage.

The conversation also explores an important workplace question: How can employers better support people navigating the intersection of neurodivergence and...

** Content Warning:** This episode includes discussion of suicide, mental health, and emotional wellbeing.

Have you ever felt like your ADHD suddenly gets worse, even when nothing else has changed? It might not be stress, burnout, or a bad week. It could be hormones. 

Could hormones be influencing your ADHD, attention, executive functioning and emotional regulation more than you realise? In this episode, Dr Shae Wissell speaks with Associate Professor Caroline Gurvich from Monash University about the growing evidence linking hormones, cognition and neurodivergence.

In Part 1 of the D...

What does it take to build a successful career in engineering and automotive manufacturing while navigating ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, workplace bias, and the challenges of being a woman in STEM?

In this episode of the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, Dr Shae sits down with Diana, Senior Project Coordinator and Planner in Toyota's Product Planning Division. Diana shares her remarkable journey from Colombia to Australia and reflects on more than 20 years working across Ford, Holden, and Toyota.

Together, they explore the realities of studying engineering in male-dominated environments, overcoming workplace assumptions, receiving a...

In Part 3 of our Neurodivergent Women in STEM series, Dr Shae Wissell sits down with Diana from Toyota to explore how neurodiversity, universal design, and communication styles shape inclusive workplaces.

Together, they discuss Toyota’s broader DEIB approach, practical workplace accommodations, hybrid work, onboarding around working styles, and why reframing neurodivergence as a strength benefits everyone. Diana shares how a remote test-trip scenario led to universal 

accommodations portable toilets, better catering for cultural needs, and a 

new standard process of asking all staff about requirements improving comfort and experience for the whole...

In Part 2 of our Neurodivergent Women in STEM series, Dr Shae Wissell sits down in studio with Diana from Toyota to explore ADHD at work, sensory overload, hybrid work, and the challenges facing women in STEM.

In this episode:

In this episode of the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, Dr Shae Wissell speaks with Diana, a Senior Project Coordinator and Planner at Toyota, about her journey from Colombia to Australia and into the automotive industry. Diana reflects on her love of mathematics and science, the challenges of studying engineering as a woman in a male-dominated field, and building a successful career across Ford, Holden, and Toyota. Diana also shares her experience of receiving a late diagnosis of ADHD alongside dyslexia and dysgraphia. She discusses hyperfocus, burnout cycles, continuous learning, and how neurodivergent thinking has shaped both her personal life and professional...

In this full-length episode of the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, Dr Shae Wissell sits down with Nick Nagzam, host of The Inclusive Shift, to explore neurodiversity in the workplace, parenting neurodivergent children, and the importance of creating environments where people can thrive. Nick shares how his understanding of neurodiversity deepened following the diagnoses of his two sons, one autistic with a PDA profile and ADHD, and the other with ADHD. What began as a personal journey became a professional mission, leading Nick to establish a neurodiversity employee resource group within his workplace and advocate for greater awareness, inclusion and flexibility. Together...

In Part 3 of our deep dive with Nick, Dr Shae continues the conversation about the realities of parenting neurodivergent children while navigating your own neurodivergent traits.

Nick reflects on how neurodivergence often becomes more visible within families as children are diagnosed and parents begin to recognise similar characteristics in themselves. Although he has not received a formal diagnosis, he shares his journey of understanding how his brain works, identifying his triggers, and developing strategies that support both himself and his family.

Together, Dr Shae and Nick discuss the lessons he's learned...

In Part 2 of this Deep Dive series, host Dr Shae speaks with Nick Nagzam and introduces the show’s mission to share honest conversations and build community around dyslexia and other 

neurodivergent conditions, then moves into a discussion about working from home in a global, largely neurodivergent team and how home “distractions” can be less disruptive than office interruptions.

Nick shares how differences between his sons became clear during COVID lockdown homeschooling, leading to one child’s autism diagnosis at age four, and how a second child’s ADHD became more apparent after breaking his fe...

The office is not always the most supportive place to work. In Part 1 of this Deep Dive series, host Dr Shae speaks with Nick Nagzam about his work and his podcast, The Inclusive Shift, and his journey into advocating for neurodiversity inclusion at work after his two sons were diagnosed (autism with a PDA profile and ADHD, and ADHD). Nick shares how he founded a neurodiversity resource group at his workplace, partners with the DEI team to promote awareness days and fundraising events, and aims to help employees feel safer being themselves. They discuss workplace stigma and misunderstanding, the benefits...

What if struggling with numbers wasn't just about being "bad at maths"? In this episode of the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, Dr Shae is joined by Michael from Dyscastia, an intervention tutor and advocate with lived experience of dyslexia and dyscalculia. Together, they explore the often-misunderstood learning difference of dyscalculia and discuss why awareness remains so low compared to other neurodivergent profiles. Michael shares his personal journey and professional insights, explaining how dyscalculia affects number sense, understanding value, time, money, fractions, measurement, and many everyday tasks that others often take for granted. The conversation also highlights the differences between dyscalculia and...

Rethinking Maths, Dyscalculia & Confidence: Scaffolding, Practice, and Practical Tool In part 3 of our latest episode DR Shae and Michael focus on lived experiences of dyslexia and other neurodivergent conditions and explore maths anxiety, shame, and the lasting trauma of school experiences such as being discouraged from using fingers. The conversation reframes “not being good at maths” as a difficulty that can improve with time, patient step-by-step scaffolding, and regular practice, noting maths is cyclical and offers repeated chances to fill gaps compared with literacy. They discuss how breaks can erase progress, how anxiety reduces working memory, and share practical mental math...

In our just released Part 2 of Ep 87 Dyscalculia Explained: Number Sense, Time Blindness, and Building Confidence with Practical Strategies, Dr Shae Marie Wisszell on the Dear Dyslexic Podcast sits down with Michael Shanaha to explore dyscalculia and why it is often invisible due to low awareness, even among maths teachers. Michael explains dyscalculia as a core difficulty with basic number sense (value, bigger/ smaller, numerosity), distinct from maths anxiety, working memory limitations, or processing speed challenges that can also make maths hard. The conversation covers real-life impacts beyond school, including understanding time, money, fractions, discounts, and financial decisions, with examples...

In this episode of Dr Shae and the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, our host Shae,welcomes Michael from the podcast Dyscastia to discuss dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, and why there aren’t enough conversations about these learning difficulties. Michael explains his view on labels, using “disability” for official funding and support contexts and preferring “difficulty” personally, while questioning the term “difference.” He shares his work as an intervention tutor supporting children with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and related neurodivergence such as ADHD and autism, and describes the morphology-focused “word cracking” software and the Literacy Support Kit he developed with Sally Andrew to better support students f...

In this Dear Dyslexic podcast episode, Dr Shae speaks with consultant and leader Ben Walkenhorst about psychosocial hazards and how to create psychologically safe workplaces, especially for neurodivergent people. Ben shares his background (20+ years’ experience across sectors and leading teams up to 200) and his lived experience of dyslexia, including an auditory component and visual stress helped by Irlen lenses, which he says transformed his learning outcomes. He explains psychological safety as an environment where people can speak up without judgment or retaliation, and outlines three key factors: great leadership, job design/job demands, and environmental factors. Ben gives examples from re...

This episode of the Dear Dyslexic podcast explores how feedback and workplace practices can impact neurodivergent people, including those with dyslexia, ADHD, and autism, particularly when feedback feels overly critical or triggering due to past experiences. The conversation focuses on the role of great leadership in giving feedback privately and safely, discussing practical adjustments like changing red markup colors and reframing “feedback” as “advice.” It also covers how constant check-ins can raise anxiety and suggests creating adult-adult relationships where employees have permission to speak up about what works for them. The guest emphasises the importance of training leaders in psychological, social...

Creating Psychologically Safe Workplaces for Neurodivergent Teams In this episode of the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, Dr Shae welcomes Ben Walkenhorst from BW Communications for a conversation about creating neurodiversity-inclusive workplaces through psychological safety, effective leadership and thoughtful workplace design. Drawing on his leadership experience across government, private and not-for-profit sectors, Ben explains what psychological safety looks like in practice and why it is becoming an increasingly important focus under workplace health and safety regulations. He describes psychological safety as creating environments where people feel comfortable speaking up, sharing ideas and asking for support without fear of judgement or negative consequences. ...

In this episode, Dr Shae from the Dear Dyslexic Podcast welcomes Ben Walkenhorst, consultant at BW Communications, to explore psychosocial hazards in the workplace, psychological safety, and what organisations can do to create environments where people feel safe to be themselves. With more than 20 years of experience across government, private and not-for-profit sectors, Ben shares insights from his leadership career and discusses why psychosocial hazards are becoming an increasingly important workplace issue as they are incorporated into work health and safety regulations across Australia. Ben also shares his lived experience of dyslexia, having been identified in primary school. He reflects...

The Dear Dyslexic Podcast introduces its mission to share honest conversations about dyslexia and other neurodivergent conditions and welcomes guest Ben Walkenhorst, a consultant at BW Communications with over 20 years’ experience across government, private, and not-for-profit sectors leading teams up to 200 people. The episode sets up a discussion on psychosocial hazards in workplaces, psychological safety, and creating environments where people can be authentic, especially as these hazards are becoming regulated under work health and safety codes in some states. Ben shares his lived experience of dyslexia, diagnosed around year five, describing symptoms including words “swimming” on the page, blurred vision...

Recorded as a podcast for International Women’s Day, this panel hosted by Dr Shae brings together Nicci Richman, Dr Kim Gordon, and Dr Annalisa Contos, to share experiences of late diagnosis (ADHD, autism, dyslexia/dysgraphia) and how it reshaped identity, self-compassion, and career trajectories. The discussion links perimenopause/menopause to reduced capacity to mask, emotional peaks and troughs, and grief over missed support and opportunities. Panelists describe the invisible load of masking, executive-function demands, parenting neurodivergent children, burnout, and workplace penalties for non-linear careers, “cultural fit,” and intersectional bias. They outline practical workplace changes—universal design, clarity, flexible output-focused work, su...

In this special in-studio episode of the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, Dr Shae welcomes Dr Kim Percy and UK-based researcher Dr Helen Ross for a conversation about dyslexia, neurodivergence and the challenges many people face during key life transitions. Drawing on her Churchill Fellowship research in Australia, Helen discusses how moving from school to university, training or employment can be a particularly vulnerable time for neurodivergent people. She highlights the impact of long assessment waitlists, difficulties accessing support, and the unique experiences of girls and women whose needs are often overlooked. Helen also shares insights from her exploration of Australian approaches...

In this powerful episode of the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, host Dr Shae Wissell sits down with Brad Beach, Director of Strategy, Quality and Learning at TAFE Gippsland, to explore dyslexia and neurodivergence in vocational education.

Brad shares his personal journey as a dyslexic student—from struggling in remedial reading classes to accidentally getting into Melbourne University and eventually leading educational innovation. His story highlights the transformative power of educator belief, referencing John Hattie's research showing that an educator's belief in a student is the strongest predictor of success.

The conversation tackles critical topics including:

...

Ever wondered why speech pathologists are unsung heroes in the world of dyslexia? In this eye-opening episode of the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, we dive deep into the fundamentals of dyslexia, bust myths about assessments, and explore how early intervention can transform lives—plus, practical tips for navigating co-occurring challenges like ADHD and dysgraphia. Joining us is Elise Cassidy, a passionate speech pathologist and founder of Code Read Network, a leading organization dedicated to raising dyslexia awareness in Australia. With over 30 years of experience in literacy and language development, Elise specializes in supporting children and adults with dyslexia, speech sound disorders, an...

For years, I thought I was just busy. Running a podcast, a charity, doing my doctorate, working full-time, raising a child - that's just life, right? But when I was diagnosed with combined ADHD (moderate to severe) in my 40s, everything finally made sense. In this deeply personal episode, I'm stepping away from our usual dyslexia focus to share my own ADHD diagnosis journey - the signs I missed for decades, the internal chaos I thought was normal, and why getting help changed everything. What I cover: - Why I never thought I could have ADHD (despite working with it...

Welcome to a new chapter of the Dear Dyslexic Podcast. In this special launch video, Dr Shae Wissell shares how the show is evolving to bring stories of dyslexia, ADHD, and neurodiversity to life through video as well as audio. The podcast has always been about real lived experience, honest conversations, and reshaping the way society understands and supports neurodivergent adults. Now you can watch as well as listen — connecting even more deeply with the people and stories that matter. Subscribe today and join us on this journey, one story at a time.

Dr. Erin Lalor AM joins us in this episode to explore the complexities of neurodivergence and substance use, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals at the intersection of these experiences. Drawing on her extensive background in clinical psychology and research, Dr. Lalor delves into personal insights, societal stigma, and evidence-based approaches to supporting neurodivergent individuals living with substance use challenges.

Have you ever felt the weight of navigating a world that doesn’t quite understand the unique challenges of neurodivergence? In this heartfelt episode, Shae sits down with Derek McCormack from the Raising Children Network. Derek shares what it’s been like parenting neurodivergent children, navigating complex emotions, diagnoses, and shifting perspectives. From exploring emotional load to advocating in school systems, Derek’s insights are real, relatable, and deeply needed.

Have you ever felt like you were navigating a world that just didn't understand you? In this powerful episode, we're joined by clinical psychologist Monique Mitchelson to explore the rich landscape of neurodivergence - from late diagnoses to celebrating neurodivergent identity. Monique brings a rare perspective as both a psychologist and someone with lived experience of autism and ADHD. Based in Brisbane, Australia, she's become a leading voice in neurodiversity advocacy through her clinical work and popular podcast with over 2.5 million listeners. Her journey is particularly compelling - from initially training in clinical psychology to discovering her own neurodivergence during...

What happens when a dyslexic woman who was told she’d "never be anything" becomes a trailblazing leader in disability inclusion? In this raw and powerful episode, Saraya O’Connell from Hotel Etico—Australia’s first social enterprise hotel—opens up for the first time about her dyslexia, ADHD, and how she turned workplace struggles into superpowers. Saraya is the General Manager of Hotel Etico, a groundbreaking not-for-profit hotel in the Blue Mountains that trains and employs young adults with disabilities in hospitality. A dyslexic and ADHD leader, she’s spent years masking her neurodivergence while advocating for systemic change in employmen...

Ever felt like your brain just works differently — and wished technology could meet you halfway? In this empowering solo episode, Dr Shae Wissell shares why AI has become a game-changer for dyslexics and other neurodivergent minds, offering practical ways to turn daily challenges into new superpowers. In today’s episode, Dr Shae Wissell, researcher, advocate, and proud dyslexic and dysgraphic, dives deep into how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way neurodivergent individuals work, learn, and live. From writing struggles to planning overwhelm, Shae shares personal stories and practical tools that have helped her — and can help you too — reclaim time, en...

In a world where disability often gets lost in the noise of bureaucracy, how do we ensure that every voice is heard? In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome Peter Smith, the Director and Founder of the Center for Disability Employment Research and Practice (CDERP). With over 15 years of experience in the field, Peter has dedicated his career to improving employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities. His journey began at Sydney University, where he recognised the lack of focus on disability and employment. Under the mentorship of leading experts, Peter has developed a robust evidence base for disability employment...

We are joined in this episode by Dr. Annalisa, the founder of Atom Consulting, a company dedicated to helping water utilities manage their risks, particularly in water quality. With a rich background in consulting and a personal journey through neurodiversity, Annalisa has become a passionate advocate for individuals with learning differences. After her elder son was diagnosed with autism, she pursued her own diagnosis of ADHD in her 40s, leading her to a deeper understanding of neurodiversity. Annalisa's commitment to inclusivity in the workplace is evident in her efforts to bridge the gap between neurodiverse talent and the skills shortage...

Did you know that most research on dyslexia focuses on children, leaving a massive gap in understanding how it impacts adults—especially in professional settings? In this episode of the Dear Dyslexia Podcast, host Dr. Shae Wissell dives into her groundbreaking research on the challenges faced by dyslexic adults in the workplace. She sheds light on the barriers they encounter, from stigma and lack of support to the often-overlooked emotional toll of navigating a world designed for neurotypical individuals. Dr. Wissell explores: · The urgent need for workplace policies that accommodate dyslexic professionals · How self-advocacy and awareness can reshape career opportunities · The e...

Get ready for an eye-opening episode of the Dear Dyslexic! This week, we dive into the world of inclusive business practices and the remarkable journey of a powerhouse in the automotive industry. In this episode of the Dear Dyslexic podcast, host Dr Shae Wissell sits down with Raffy, a dynamic leader in the automotive industry and a passionate advocate for inclusive business practices. Raffy has been a trailblazer in her field for over 20 years, running a successful auto mechanic business with her husband. She is also the founder of Sage Advice, a business coaching service aimed at helping other companies...

Imagine keeping a part of yourself hidden for over 50 years – a part of you that defines not just who you are, but how you think, work, and see the world. In today’s episode, Dr Shae Wissell sits down with Nigel Lockett, the Dyslexic Professor, to unravel the profound journey of embracing dyslexia and redefining it as a strength in the world of entrepreneurship. Episode Summary In this insightful conversation, Nigel Lockett, Emeritus Professor of Entrepreneurship and seasoned mentor, delves into his journey from keeping his dyslexia a closely guarded secret to ultimately sharing it with the world. Nigel, currently an E...

Discover how embracing neurodiversity can unlock hidden potential and transform workplaces with Mel Webster, a leader who proudly wears her ADHD and dyslexia as badges of strength. Mel Webster is the CEO of ADHD Australia, a passionate advocate for neurodiversity, and a proud individual with ADHD and dyslexia. With a background in working with individuals on the autism spectrum and a personal journey of diagnosis and parenting a neurodivergent child, Mel brings a wealth of experience and insight to the conversation. In this episode, Melissa and Dr. Shae explore: ● Personal journey of diagnosis and acceptance of ADHD and dyslexia ● The inte...

What if the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals are more about survival than adaptation? In this episode of the Dear Dyslexia podcast, Dr. Shae Wissell dives deep into a thought-provoking discussion with Dr Neil Alexander Passe, a researcher and advocate who is reshaping our understanding of neurodivergence and its impact on daily life. Dr Neil Alexander Passe, a respected researcher in the field of dyslexia and neurodivergence, returns to the show to share his latest insights. With years of experience studying the nuances of neurodiversity, Neil has authored numerous papers and is a strong voice for the neurodivergent community. His...

Are you ready to hear how one organisation is making a difference in the lives of young people with neurodivergences? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Deirdre Hardy from Future Connect! In this episode, we are thrilled to host Deirdre Hardy, a dedicated advocate for young people with neurodivergences. Deirdre is the CEO of Future Connect, an organisation committed to supporting young individuals as they transition from education to employment. With a wealth of experience in working with neurodiverse youth, Deirdre has been instrumental in helping them navigate their educational and career pathways, ensuring they have the support they...

Dive deep into the world of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) with Dr. Jamica Nadina Love, a trailblazer making waves across the education sector and beyond. Get ready to challenge your perspectives and understand the true power of intersectionality. Guest Introduction: In this episode, we welcome Dr. Jamica Nadina Love, a renowned DEI expert and transformative leader. As the first Chief Diversity Officer at the historic Virginia Military Institute and the founder of Higher Dimensions Consulting LLC, Dr. Love has dedicated her career to fostering inclusive and equitable environments. With a master’s degree in counseling psychology and significant contributions in...